Value of total U.S. exports of goods and services by sector 1790-1970

In the years between 1790 and 1970, merchandise (i.e. tangible goods, including agricultural and military wares) made up the largest share of U.S. exports in almost every year. Generally, taxation on private, foreign investments made up the second-largest share of U.S. imports, although there is an observable increase in transportation exports during the First World war, and "other" transactions during the Second World War. Merchandise exports were also impacted by global events, with spikes during both wars and a steep drop following the Wall Street Crash. Additionally, as U.S. influence across the globe grew following the Second World war, the value of exports grew substantially during the 1950s and 1960s.